Department of Welfare, Government of Jharkhand and PanIIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation have partnered to launch PanIIT Alumni Reach for Jharkhand Foundation (PReJha Foundation) a non-profit joint enterprise to implement and scale sustainable welfare initiatives.

This initiative will replicate the Gurukul model of learning for skill development across all the districts of the state and thus provide a network of sub-ITI institutions accessible to schools drop-outs, underprivileged and those who are from the lower strata of the socio economic background.

The PReJHA Foundation was launched by Shri. Raghubar Das, the Honourable Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Present at the launch were Dr. Louis Marandi – Honourable Welfare Minister, Jharkhand and Shri. B. Muthuraman- Chairman, PanIIT Alumni Reach for Jharkhand Foundation. Also on display was use of ‘Immersive technologies for learning’ showcasing latest simulation, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for learning and skill development.

Gurukul is already present in Jharkhand across various locations including Gumla, Jamshedpur, Bundu, East &West Singhbum, Simdega, Koderma, Saraikela, Dumka, Palamu and Hazaribagh, working towards skilling and providing sustainable employment to the unskilled and unemployed.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Raghubar Das – Honourable Chief Minister, Jharkhand said, “Our youth are our strength and it is important to provide them with the requisite skills that will make them employable. The purpose of PReJHA foundation is to bridge the skill gap and ensure sustainable employment, thus improving the socio economic status of our people”. He added “I am very happy to see that PanIIT partner with Department of Welfare to open skill training Gurukuls in every district, which will give an opportunity to the tribals, the underprivileged and those below the poverty line to gain skill development that will make them employable and make Jharkhand proud of them.”

Dr. Louis Marandi – Honourable Welfare Minister, Jharkhand, said “Skill India is a focus area of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as well as of the honourable chief Minister Shri.Raghubar Das. Sustainable welfare initiatives are a focus area of the government and this partnership is another milestone towards creating sustainable growth by focusing on creating skilled manpower who will be employable by the industry.” She added “PreJha foundation will focus on creating skilled and employable manpower”

Shri Amit Khare, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Finance, Government of Jharkhand said, “I appeal to all the Private sector organizations that they partner with this initiative and support the youth in their training by giving them employment. I am sure this initiative will bridge the skill gap and also the employment gap.”

Shri. B. Muthuraman – Chairman, PReJHA foundation said “The focus is to not just to skill people but also provide employment. The industry needs skilled manpower and we partner with them even before enrolling the students into the course. The Gurukul model adopted by PanIIT Foundation is unique and people are skilled to meet the industry requirements.” He added, “We are enthused with this partnership as we see ample opportunities to develop skills and create employments across Jharkhand including economically weaker and backward areas.”

PanIIT has been working towards skilling using the Gurukul model, a residential, fit-for-purpose training in technical skills in sectors like construction, manufacturing, medical services and logistics. The emphasis is on practical experience for enhancing productivity, imbibing quality and ensuring safety. Training is imparted using latest technologies including simulators to create worksite like infrastructure.

Gurukul is typically led by ex-servicemen, seek to infuse patriotic values and life skills, including discipline, financial and credit literacy, in addition to technical training. Even before Gurukul is setup, PanIIT contracts with employers, typically CII members, for technically skilled jobs, to assure placements in India and abroad. Hence, jobs are waiting for students even before they enrol in this demand led training model. Apart from partnering with NSDC, PanIIT in addition has joined hands with industry and government bodies such as CII and NABARD. NABARD provides 100% financing to the students of the Gurukul through Nabard financial Services, its NBFC subsidiary. HPCL, Godrej Industries and Thriveni Earthmovers are CSR Gurukul patrons.